Rockford Systems Simplifies Safeguarding Table-Top Pneumatic Presses with New Optical Touch System
New GIC2501 system requires no additional engineering
ROCKFORD, IL, MARCH 22, 2023 — Rockford Systems, LLC, a global leader in machine safeguarding, today introduced a turnkey control system that ensures on-the-job safety for operators of table-top pneumatic presses, while also reducing risk of tendon, nerve and neurovascular disorders. The Rockford Systems GIC2501 is comprised of a packaged control module plus an ergonomic 2-hand control bar equipped with optical touch buttons.
Simple to install and afford, this compact, fully-packaged system does not require any additional engineering or logic functions to operate. If needed the GIC2501 module can be slightly modified with minor logic or by changing the hold timing after release although these steps are not necessary. The 2-hand control bar is available with or without a modular eStop.
Maximum Operator Safety
Both hands must be inserted and maintained in the GIC2501’s control bar for a pneumatic press solenoid to energize and its cylinder to extend. Likewise, the solenoid is de-energized when the operator removes one or both hands, resulting in the cylinder retracting and the press returning to a safe position.
Ergonomic Optical Touch Controls
Pneumatic presses are generally used in high-volume, repetitive applications such as assembly, stamping, marking, forming, and punching. Operators may be required to apply force on high-pressure spring-loaded mechanical palm buttons hundreds or even thousands of times per day to manually actuate the press stroke. By integrating photoelectric-based sensors, instead of mechanical buttons, the Rockford Systems optical touch design eliminates painful stress on hands, wrists, and arms that occurs from repeated pushing. Pre-installed field covers protect the buttons from impact and prevent inadvertent activation of the press. Also, the optics are immune to ambient light, EMI, and RFI.
Easy Mounting
Both the control module and control bar assembly have compact footprints, allowing for mounting either on the press structure or for set-up on a table. The only required wiring is the factory-attached multi-conductor cabling that comes with the package. Cabling is inserted into a junction box mounted near the control bar, safely out of the way. It saves the end-user time and money, making the GIC2501 a simple safeguarding solution for rebuilding older presses or in the construction of new OEM presses.
For more information, call 800-922-7533 or visit www.rockfordsystems.com.
ABOUT ROCKFORD SYSTEMS LLC
Headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, Rockford Systems, LLC delivers trusted machine-safeguarding solutions for organizations working with industrial machinery. As a trusted adviser since 1971, Rockford Systems helps organizations interpret and apply complex Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) machine safety standards for a broad array of industrial applications. In addition, Rockford Systems provides complete Turnkey Machine Safety Solutions, including machine safeguarding assessments, machine risk assessments, customized build-to-spec integration, over 10,000 safeguarding products, expert installation services, training, and technical support, and ongoing compliance validation. Rockford Systems has improved the workplace safety of many of North America’s largest companies by reducing risk and preventing workplace injuries.
Rockford Combustion of Rockford Systems, LLC provides combustion safety solutions including training, service, burner tuning, and audits, as well as standardized and custom-engineered valve safety trains. These extensive risk reduction solutions enable organizations to improve compliance and worker safety while maintaining productivity.
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